Police Department

Chief of Police John D. Noland

Media Release
March 28, 2018

To: Media & Public Information Release

From: Lt. Matt McGlone

Subject: Sahuarita High School Lockdown Incident

On March 28, 2018 at approximately 1252 hours the Sahuarita Police Department (SPD)
was notified by Sahuarita High School (SHS) staff that a student was overheard asking
about the legalities of bringing a firearm to school. The conversation was reported by a
student to SHS administration. SHS administrators identified and contacted the student
thought to have made the comments regarding legalities surrounding bringing a
firearm to school.

A school administrator advised the student they wished to search the student’s vehicle,
which was parked on campus. The student then fled in his vehicle, leaving the school
campus. SHS administrators immediately notified SPD who, after receiving a briefing,
initiated a district-wide lock-down as a precaution. Several SPD officers responded to
SHS and other schools and conducted a search of the campuses. No threats were
located. This included two SROs who were already on scene at Walden Grove High
School. PCSO deputies also assisted SPD with these tasks. SPD Officers responded to all
Sahuarita schools affected by the lock-down protocol as a precaution. No threats,
suspicious persons, or vehicles were located on any SUSD sites.

SPD Officers have made contact with the juvenile suspect, who is a SHS student. This
investigation is continuing to determine if any laws have been violated. The SPD and
SUSD were in full communication and coordination during this event.

It is a violation of law to bring a weapon, firearm, or other deadly instrument, on to a

school campus. The SPD and SUSD take all threats or possible threats associated with
students or schools as a serious matter.

Community * Safety * Service

Town of Sahuarita | 315 W. Sahuarita Center Way | Sahuarita, AZ 85629 | 520.344.7000 | www.sahuaritaaz.gov

SPD006 SSD070815(REV042517)